India facilitating return of over 600 Indians from Iraq

The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday disclosed that it is facilitating the return of more than 600 nationals from crisis-hit Iraq during the course of this week.

"The departure of more than 600 Indian nationals will be facilitated during the course of this week. We are continuing to work on paper work, we are continuing to work on ticketing, we are continuing to work with the employers to work out solutions for those who may have problems," said MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

He said that from Najaf 60 Indian workers left today, and added that papers are being processed for 31 for tomorrow and 30 day after.

"In Baghdad, 4 Indians left today, 8 to leave depending on availability of tickets. In Karbala, departure of 30 has taken place today, departure of next 100 will be done in next 3-4 days," said Akbaruddin.

He also said mobile teams were sent to Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala and Basra to advise Indians on their safe exit.

"We had sent mobile teams to Najaf, Karbala, Basra and we had also yesterday started mobile teams in Baghdad. I had also explained to you that these mobile teams were authorised by the External Affairs Minister to contact Indian nationals in their places of residence to advise them in accordance to the two advisories that we have sent, it is best that they leave their places of work and return to India," he added.